Poetry Reading Launched To Revive Fading Syair

Bandar Seri Begawan – A Poetry Reading Competition was held yesterday at the Language and Literature Centre to revive the nearly fading Syair considered as one of the nation’s heritages.

Pengiran Datin Hajah Mariam, Deputy Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Education, said that Syair would instil patriotism during the final of the 6th Syair Brunei Reading Competition for school and colleges nationwide.

“Now reading Syair is not only enjoyed among old folks but also among new generations,” she added.

She said Syair is included in the Malay language syllabus text books for lower secondary and upper secondary school.

“As one of the literature books for Malay language and Brunei heritage, it needs to be preserved to next generations,” she said.

She also pointed out that efforts to revive and to expand Syair reading activities among students is welcomed in order to expose the students to old poetry that contains benefits and lessons.

Ten contestants from schools and colleges nationwide made it to the final round.

Mohd Zakhwan Haji Abdul Rahman from the Maktab Sains Paduka Seri Begawan Sultan emerged as champion. He read the Syair Laila Hasrat.

Meanwhile, Dayang Hajah Siti Khadijah Haji Ibrahim from Sekolah Tinggi Perempuan Raja Isteri also won after reading the Syair Perlembagaan.

Prizes were presented at the end of the competition. -- Courtesy of Radio Television Brunei 

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